Myth #1: CBD Gets You High

Quick Fact

Does CBD get you high? No. The compound responsible for the intoxicating “high” in marijuana is THC, not cannabidiol. They work through entirely different pathways in the body, and this compound produces no psychoactive or euphoric effects whatsoever.

The Full Story

The confusion is understandable — both cannabidiol and THC come from the cannabis plant, so many people assume they have the same effect. But they behave very differently in the body, and understanding why matters if you are considering it for the first time.

Why CBD Does Not Get You High

THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, which triggers the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana. Cannabidiol does not bind to these receptors in the same way. Instead, it interacts indirectly with the endocannabinoid system, influencing processes like mood, sleep, and pain perception — without altering your state of mind.

Many users report a sense of calm, reduced tension, or relief from discomfort after taking it. That is not intoxication — it is the absence of stress. There is a meaningful difference between feeling relaxed and feeling impaired.

Hemp-derived products sold legally in the U.S. must contain less than 0.3% THC by law — a concentration far too low to produce any intoxicating effect, even in large quantities. The World Health Organization’s 2018 review confirmed that cannabidiol has no psychoactive properties and no potential for abuse.

It is also worth understanding that feeling calm or relaxed after taking it is not the same as being intoxicated. Many first-time users expect to feel something dramatic and are surprised when they simply feel less anxious or sleep more easily. That subtlety is a feature, not a flaw — and it is what makes this compound appealing as a daily wellness supplement rather than a recreational substance.

Does CBD get you high? The science is clear that it does not. If you want to understand more about how cannabinoids work in the body, our CBD Information section covers the science in plain language.